McHale: Howard and Beverley won’t play Sunday

Share this:

Dwight Howard and Pat Beverley will not play on Sunday when the Rockets host Denver at 6 p.m., coach Kevin McHale said after practice on Saturday.

“They will play when they are ready and I don’t know when that will be, but I know it won’t be tomorrow,” McHale said.

Howard, who has missed the last four games with a left ankle strain, said he ran on the treadmill and has been doing work in the pool.

“ I feel good,” Howard said. “I am happy about that. I’m going to try to ramp it up a little bit next couple of days and see how it feels.”

Beverley, who has missed the last four games with torn meniscus in his right knee, also has no timetable for his return.

Howard said that he and Beverley are both being cautious about their injuries in order to be ready for the postseason.

“Me and Pat are taking time to make sure our bodies are right,” Howard said. “We want to get back out there as quick as possible. I know that sounds crazy, we want to take our time but get back quick, but we want to make sure we are healed properly before we get on the court.

“We need time, but we also haven’t played in a lot of games. A lot of times guys get injured because of fatigue. We need to make sure our ankles and knees are strong enough to get out there and compete. Our goal is to be 100 percent by the playoffs.”

Howard said his goal was to be back a few games before the playoffs to be sure he is back in shape for games.

“Being in game shape is a lot different than running on the treadmill or doing sprints on the court so we want to make sure we have a good feel for the game and make sure the guys are accustomed to us being back out there because we have missed a couple games,” Howard said. “It is important that we get out there and are ready.”